Digestive Upsets
Starting at the top, vomiting remedies are similar to those for humans, Arsenicum being the
usual remedy. Phosphorus is often indicated in animals, because the patient vomits a little while
after eating, but is generally bright, has no lack of appetite, and often happily consumes the vomit
again, only to be brought up a little while later, a symptom not often seen in humans!
A spot of blood in the vomit also can indicate Phosphorus. If vomiting and/or constipation is due
to eating rubbish or raiding the pantry, then Nux vomica is indicated. Vomiting can be treated at
home when the animal is keeping water down, and is better in 24 hours, otherwise a trip to the
vet is needed.
Diarrhoea often responds to Arsenicum. There are many other
remedies for diarrhoea, but with animals I would look at correcting the
diet next. Milk is a common cause (due to lactose intolerance), cereal
(pasta, bread) and cheap dried food.
There are two main remedies for constipation, Nux vomica when there is straining to defecate
and discomfort, and Bryonia when the animal is not straining, but has been noticed to not have
gone recently and is maybe off its food a bit. A pinch of psyllium to each meal is a great way to
prevent constipation. If no results in three days, then an enema at the vet may be needed.
A problem (possibly?) more common in animals than in people is flatulence. Here the prime
remedy is Lycopodium, but a common reason also is cheap dried food and any cereal in
general for dogs and cats, so try a no cereal diet (see Clare’s website articles section, Natural
Diet for Dogs and Cats).
Animals in your family can be as sensitive to the emotional issues that can arise as everyone
else and this can affect their digestive system. Consider remedies such as Ignatia, Phosphorus,
Lycopodium and Pulsatilla, which can be a great help if indicated.
Written in conjunction with Dr Clare Middle who runs a natural therapies only veterinary practice
in Bibra Lake. Ph: 08 9494 1243, www.claremiddle.com.
Books and Info Sheet: For more remedy info on treating your animals with Homoeopathy,
download and print our Animal Info Sheet, Digestive Upsets & Constipation Fact Sheet
or refer to our Homoeopathy for the Home Prescriber Book or eBook. We also have excellent
Homoeopathy for Animals Books and Free Information available through our website.
Click to subscribe to monthly information emails Understanding Homoeopathy.